Smoothing changer

Instruments, mechanical issues, copedents, techniques, etc.

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Reggie Duncan
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Smoothing changer

Post by Reggie Duncan »

My 4th string is buzzing some. I need to smooth the changer finger/roller. What is the technique and what size buffing material??
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J D Sauser
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Re: Smoothing changer

Post by J D Sauser »

Reggie Duncan wrote: 16 May 2025 1:57 pm My 4th string is buzzing some. I need to smooth the changer finger/roller. What is the technique and what size buffing material??
The changers on all my guitars are now modified and I don't face that issue anymore. BUT before that, I used an eraser-pencil (with the slightly abrasive rubber) to "erase" any burrs and "fan" marks at every string change. It worked perfectly.

Frankly I do NOT feel that a "mirror"-surface on the changer finger is desirable. Because one would not want strings to slide left-right (leaving that "fan" mark on the finger), so I sought to have my mate-marks go in the same direction as the strings, to give the strings a LITTLE lateral hold. I like to BELIEVE that I got good results from that practice... better dynamics and longer sustain with less "noise".

... J-D.
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Dave Grafe
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Re: Smoothing changer

Post by Dave Grafe »

Before you attack your changer slack the strongs enough to lube and rotate the roller nuts. That's almost always where those crazy buzzy boingy sounds come from, even with my hand firmy on the strings between nut and bar. Can't tell you why, but it seems to always do it. Another life-changing tip I picked up here on the forum.
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Jerry Jones
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Re: Smoothing changer

Post by Jerry Jones »

With your C pedal raise the 4th string E to F# slowly.

If the buzz is more pronounced in-between E and F# notes (F) you probably have a deformed string.
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Bobby D. Jones
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Re: Smoothing changer

Post by Bobby D. Jones »

How long have the strings been on your guitar?

Since the (.014) 4th string is both lowered and raised, Sometimes the 4th string wire will work harden, From being bent, Every raise and lower. When the string hardens in the bend, The string will lift up off the finger and make those weird sounds.
It is easier to replace a string, Than work to smooth the finger, Still have the problem.
And then find it was a bad string.

Good Luck and Happy Steelin.